Microsoft Kinect Motion Sensor Debuts in the U.S.

Microsoft Corp. on Thursday started to sell its highly-anticipated Kinect motion sensor in the U.S. The device promises to revolutionize video games as it allows to control them without any physical controllers, just with gestures and movements of a body. Priced at $149, Kinect sensor is now available in 30 thousand stores nation-wide.

“Kinect transforms entertainment and introduces Xbox 360 to millions of new people — families, friends and people of all ages. Years of research and a team of engineers and artists have created something approachable, simple and affordable that everyone can enjoy,” said Don Mattrick, president of the interactive entertainment business at Microsoft Corp.

The Kinect sensor can be plugged directly into any Xbox 360 and features a camera, audio sensors, and motion-sensing technology that tracks 48 points of movement on the human body. Kinect has the ability to recognize faces and voices. Kinect can perform full-motion tracking of the human body at 30 frames per second.

Microsoft itself expects to sell three million Kinect motion sensors this holiday season. Meanwhile, analysts from IDC believe that the software giant would sell three million of Kinect devices in the U.S. alone, making the product the best-selling add-on for Xbox 360 game console in just several months. The new sensor is Microsoft's answer to Nintendo Wii game console, which motion-sensing controllers allowed it to outsell both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 combined.

The all-in-one Xbox 360 4GB console with Kinect bundle includes the new Xbox 360 slim 4GB console, Kinect sensor and "Kinect Adventures" game is priced at $299.99.

On a side note, Microsoft also announced that it would donate Xbox 360 4GB consoles with a Kinect sensor along with two games - "Kinect Adventures” and “Kinect Sports” - to thousands of Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide.